Parent Bulletin 3
21 March 2025
Acting Principal's Message
Dear Strathmore Secondary College Community,
As we approach the end of Term 1, we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of our students and staff over the past few weeks and highlight some exciting upcoming events.
NAPLAN Assessments A special congratulations to our Year 7 and Year 9 students who have completed their NAPLAN assessments. Your focus and determination throughout this process have been commendable. We would also like to extend our gratitude to our dedicated teachers who worked to facilitate these assessments, ensuring they ran smoothly and that our students were well-prepared and supported.
Harmony Week Next week we celebrate Harmony Week, a time when we recognize and embrace the cultural diversity that enriches our school community. The festivities will culminate in our highly anticipated Colour Run on Friday afternoon. This vibrant event promises to be a wonderful way to celebrate our unity in diversity, so don't forget to wear white on Friday to showcase our school colours during the run!
Swimming Carnival Our annual Swimming Carnival was held on Friday, March 21st. This event is always a highlight of our school calendar and embodies our PRIDE values—Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence. I look forward to seeing our students demonstrate their team spirit, sportsmanship, and aquatic skills as they compete for their houses.
Thank you all for your continued support and commitment to making Strathmore Secondary College a place where every student can thrive.
Warm regards,
Michael Pakakis & Vanessa Pratt
As we approach the end of Term 1, we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of our students and staff over the past few weeks and highlight some exciting upcoming events.
NAPLAN Assessments A special congratulations to our Year 7 and Year 9 students who have completed their NAPLAN assessments. Your focus and determination throughout this process have been commendable. We would also like to extend our gratitude to our dedicated teachers who worked to facilitate these assessments, ensuring they ran smoothly and that our students were well-prepared and supported.
Harmony Week Next week we celebrate Harmony Week, a time when we recognize and embrace the cultural diversity that enriches our school community. The festivities will culminate in our highly anticipated Colour Run on Friday afternoon. This vibrant event promises to be a wonderful way to celebrate our unity in diversity, so don't forget to wear white on Friday to showcase our school colours during the run!
Swimming Carnival Our annual Swimming Carnival was held on Friday, March 21st. This event is always a highlight of our school calendar and embodies our PRIDE values—Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence. I look forward to seeing our students demonstrate their team spirit, sportsmanship, and aquatic skills as they compete for their houses.
Thank you all for your continued support and commitment to making Strathmore Secondary College a place where every student can thrive.
Warm regards,
Michael Pakakis & Vanessa Pratt
2025 College Council Election - Declaration of Ballot
The College Council carries ultimate responsibility for setting the direction and ethos of the College. It decides on broad policy issues and oversees the structure of the College’s curriculum. Council has: 7 elected parent representatives, 5 staff representatives (including the Principal), 3 Co-option positions and 2 positions filled by representatives from the student executive.
Parent and staff representatives serve for a two year term before being eligible for re-election. Half of the elected members retire each year, hence the need for annual elections. Any parent of a child enrolled at the College is eligible to stand for election as a parent member of Council.
Nominations for Council representatives were called in February 2025. The number of nominees in the Parent Member category did not exceed the number of vacancies [4]. Four positions were available, and we received four Parent Member Nominees. In the Employee Member Category and the Student Member Category nominees exceeded the number of vacancies and an election held. In the Employee Member Category two vacancies were available, and we received three nominations and in the Student Member Category one vacancy was available and we received four nominations.
The successful candidates in the Parent Member Category are Deborah Cownley [2 years], Sarados Papadopoulos [2 years], Tracee Dukic [2 years] and Melissa Brown [2 years].
The successful candidates for the Employee Member Category are Maia Martucci [2 years] and Lisa-Jayne Lacey [2 years]. The successful candidate in the Student Member Category is Joseph Thorsen [2 years].
The membership of the Council for 2025 is:
Parent and staff representatives serve for a two year term before being eligible for re-election. Half of the elected members retire each year, hence the need for annual elections. Any parent of a child enrolled at the College is eligible to stand for election as a parent member of Council.
Nominations for Council representatives were called in February 2025. The number of nominees in the Parent Member category did not exceed the number of vacancies [4]. Four positions were available, and we received four Parent Member Nominees. In the Employee Member Category and the Student Member Category nominees exceeded the number of vacancies and an election held. In the Employee Member Category two vacancies were available, and we received three nominations and in the Student Member Category one vacancy was available and we received four nominations.
The successful candidates in the Parent Member Category are Deborah Cownley [2 years], Sarados Papadopoulos [2 years], Tracee Dukic [2 years] and Melissa Brown [2 years].
The successful candidates for the Employee Member Category are Maia Martucci [2 years] and Lisa-Jayne Lacey [2 years]. The successful candidate in the Student Member Category is Joseph Thorsen [2 years].
The membership of the Council for 2025 is:
Parent Members
Michael GrantSandra SavySarados Papadopoulos
Employee Members
Michael Pakakis - Acting PrincipalVanessa Pratt - Acting PrincipalGlenn Williams
Melissa BrownDeborah CownleyTracee Dukic
Mark GleesonMaia MartucciLisa-Jayne Lacey
Co-option to Community Member Pam Robertson
Co-option to Casual VacancyTo be confirmed
Student MembersAmelia MacielJoseph Thorsen Remaining Meeting Dates for 2025 are:
School Council 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday 27th March (first meeting new Council)Thursday 8th MayThursday 12th JuneThursday 7th AugustThursday 11th SeptemberThursday 23rd OctoberThursday 27th November The College Council meets on a Thursday, Week 3 and Week 8 of each term.
Co-option to Casual VacancyTo be confirmed
Student MembersAmelia MacielJoseph Thorsen Remaining Meeting Dates for 2025 are:
School Council 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday 27th March (first meeting new Council)Thursday 8th MayThursday 12th JuneThursday 7th AugustThursday 11th SeptemberThursday 23rd OctoberThursday 27th November The College Council meets on a Thursday, Week 3 and Week 8 of each term.
Year 10 Food Technology
The year 10 Food technology students have spent the last few weeks learning about plating techniques to make food look more aesthetically pleasing.
They were given a task to apply this knowledge by taking two basic foods, sausages and bread and making them look “insta worthy”. The students got creative and showed off the skills they had learnt.
Here are some of their creations.
They were given a task to apply this knowledge by taking two basic foods, sausages and bread and making them look “insta worthy”. The students got creative and showed off the skills they had learnt.
Here are some of their creations.
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Harmony Week
Strathmore Secondary College are excited to celebrate Harmony Week, a time to embrace and appreciate the diverse cultures that make up our school community.
Senior and Junior Student Leadership Councils are hosting a series of lunchtime activities to promote our PRIDE values of respect and diversity. A variety of activities will be running throughout week 8 and 9, giving students the opportunity to engage, learn, and celebrate.
Senior and Junior Student Leadership Councils are hosting a series of lunchtime activities to promote our PRIDE values of respect and diversity. A variety of activities will be running throughout week 8 and 9, giving students the opportunity to engage, learn, and celebrate.
Harmony Week Activities
Wednesday, 26 March – Map Our Community (TH1 @ Lunch) Students will collaborate to create a diversity celebration poster, mapping out the different cultural backgrounds within our school and embracing our uniqueness through creativity.
Thursday, 27 March – Yoga & Mindfulness (TH1 @ Lunch)A chance to reflect, recenter, and de-stress with a guided yoga and mindfulness session. This activity promotes well-being and connection, allowing students to take a break and focus on inner harmony.
Friday, 28 March – Free Dress Fundraiser & Colour Run (Oval From 3PM!)
Thursday, 27 March – Yoga & Mindfulness (TH1 @ Lunch)A chance to reflect, recenter, and de-stress with a guided yoga and mindfulness session. This activity promotes well-being and connection, allowing students to take a break and focus on inner harmony.
Friday, 28 March – Free Dress Fundraiser & Colour Run (Oval From 3PM!)
- Free Dress Day – Bring a gold coin donation for the privilege of wearing free dress, with proceeds supporting a local charity. Students participating in the colour run are encouraged to wear white.
- From 3:00 PM – Colour Run! – Celebrate with live music, a sausage sizzle, and prizes. Students are encouraged to wear white to make the colours pop and bring sunglasses to protect their eyes during the run.
- Monday, 31 March – Harmony Week Food Stalls (F&M Block @ Lunch). Enjoy a variety of cuisines, including Vietnamese, Japanese, Greek, and Italian dishes. This event is Cash only.
We look forward to an amazing week of connection, fun, and cultural appreciation!
Noah Gowland - Softball Victoria
Playing shortstop for Victoria in Canberra was an unforgettable experience that I’ll always look back on.
Stepping onto the field, wearing my state colours, and knowing I was representing Victoria was an incredible feeling that came with excitement and a deep sense of responsibility. The competition was tough, and while we only managed to secure one win against ACT, every game was an opportunity to push myself further. Each match demanded sharper instincts, quicker reactions, and smarter plays. Shortstop is a position that requires constant awareness, agility, and fast decision-making, and playing at this level proved just how much focus and precision it takes. I analyzed every play, anticipating every move, and adjusting my approach in real time.
Even in the losses, there was something to take away, whether it was a lesson in resilience, a new way to position myself defensively, or just the experience of playing against such strong competition. One of the best parts of the trip was having the men’s team play at the same time. Watching them in action was like having a masterclass in high-level softball right in front of us. Seeing the way they moved on the field, their split-second decisions and the way they executed plays with such precision were inspiring. We learned so much just by observing their strategies, their communication, and their overall approach to the game. It reinforced the idea that there’s always something new to learn, always another level to reach.
Beyond the games themselves, the experience was something special. The friendship with my teammates, the shared highs and lows, and the pure love for the game made the trip so worthwhile. We may not have walked away with as many wins as we hoped, but we walked away with memories, lessons, and a deeper appreciation for the sport. Representing my state was an honour, and even though the results weren’t perfect, it’s something I’ll carry with me, not just as an athlete but as a competitor, always striving to grow.
NoahYear 8 Dunlop
Stepping onto the field, wearing my state colours, and knowing I was representing Victoria was an incredible feeling that came with excitement and a deep sense of responsibility. The competition was tough, and while we only managed to secure one win against ACT, every game was an opportunity to push myself further. Each match demanded sharper instincts, quicker reactions, and smarter plays. Shortstop is a position that requires constant awareness, agility, and fast decision-making, and playing at this level proved just how much focus and precision it takes. I analyzed every play, anticipating every move, and adjusting my approach in real time.
Even in the losses, there was something to take away, whether it was a lesson in resilience, a new way to position myself defensively, or just the experience of playing against such strong competition. One of the best parts of the trip was having the men’s team play at the same time. Watching them in action was like having a masterclass in high-level softball right in front of us. Seeing the way they moved on the field, their split-second decisions and the way they executed plays with such precision were inspiring. We learned so much just by observing their strategies, their communication, and their overall approach to the game. It reinforced the idea that there’s always something new to learn, always another level to reach.
Beyond the games themselves, the experience was something special. The friendship with my teammates, the shared highs and lows, and the pure love for the game made the trip so worthwhile. We may not have walked away with as many wins as we hoped, but we walked away with memories, lessons, and a deeper appreciation for the sport. Representing my state was an honour, and even though the results weren’t perfect, it’s something I’ll carry with me, not just as an athlete but as a competitor, always striving to grow.
NoahYear 8 Dunlop
Performing Arts
The Performing Arts Faculty is in full swing, with rehearsals and events already well underway. This year’s college production, ‘Freaky Friday’, has attracted an incredible cast of young people who have been working diligently in rehearsals to bring the script to life.
Our VCE students have been off to experience the Top Class series of events, showcasing high achieving performers from the 2024 cohort. These events allow our students to get a deeper understanding of the requirements of the performance tasks, and to gain insights into the marking schemes and processes.
Students from the D13 and M1 Big Bands, and Straight No Changes Combo welcomed our new yr7 families to the college on Wednesday the 19th March. These groups are currently preparing to compete in the Generations In Jazz Festival in Mt Gambier earlier next term. We’re incredibly proud of the dedication the students have shown.
More performances are ahead, as we enter Harmony Week celebrations, and the final week of term will showcase a number of the school ensembles in a series of lunchtime concerts.
Luke StewardMusic & Performing Arts Leader
Our VCE students have been off to experience the Top Class series of events, showcasing high achieving performers from the 2024 cohort. These events allow our students to get a deeper understanding of the requirements of the performance tasks, and to gain insights into the marking schemes and processes.
Students from the D13 and M1 Big Bands, and Straight No Changes Combo welcomed our new yr7 families to the college on Wednesday the 19th March. These groups are currently preparing to compete in the Generations In Jazz Festival in Mt Gambier earlier next term. We’re incredibly proud of the dedication the students have shown.
More performances are ahead, as we enter Harmony Week celebrations, and the final week of term will showcase a number of the school ensembles in a series of lunchtime concerts.
Luke StewardMusic & Performing Arts Leader
Art Making and Exhibiting Excursion
Our Year 11 and 12 Art Making students recently embarked on a vibrant and inspiring excursion to the National Gallery of Victoria, where they had the chance to dive into the world of Yayoi Kusama! From exploring her mind-bending infinity rooms to getting up close with her iconic polka-dot installations, the students were completely captivated by Kusama’s bold use of colour, pattern, and interactive art.
The students also visited Top Arts 2025, where they had the chance to explore impressive student folios, gaining insight into the creative journeys of their peers and seeing the high standard of work on display. This experience sparked fresh ideas and a real desire to experiment with new techniques.
With so much inspiration to draw from, our students are eager to bring new energy and creativity into their own artwork. We can’t wait to see how this exciting experience influences their creative journey.
Georgia Trousdale + Nicholas Mastrippolito
The students also visited Top Arts 2025, where they had the chance to explore impressive student folios, gaining insight into the creative journeys of their peers and seeing the high standard of work on display. This experience sparked fresh ideas and a real desire to experiment with new techniques.
With so much inspiration to draw from, our students are eager to bring new energy and creativity into their own artwork. We can’t wait to see how this exciting experience influences their creative journey.
Georgia Trousdale + Nicholas Mastrippolito
Art Making and Exhibiting
Year 11 Art Making & Exhibiting students dive into Photograms and Chemigrams!
This week Year 11Art Making & Exhibiting students have been getting creative with traditional photographic techniques, experimenting with photograms and chemigrams.
Using light and objects, they created unique images on photographic paper without a camera, while also exploring chemistry to make striking patterns and textures. The results were full of experimentation and creativity.
A huge shout-out to our Year 11s for embracing these hands-on techniques.
I can't wait to see how this inspires their future artwork!
This week Year 11Art Making & Exhibiting students have been getting creative with traditional photographic techniques, experimenting with photograms and chemigrams.
Using light and objects, they created unique images on photographic paper without a camera, while also exploring chemistry to make striking patterns and textures. The results were full of experimentation and creativity.
A huge shout-out to our Year 11s for embracing these hands-on techniques.
I can't wait to see how this inspires their future artwork!
MVCC School Holiday Activities
Click image for more information.
